Otford and its History

The Putting Down Routes team and partners Wild With Wheel are delighted to invite you to join us on this accessible tour of Otford.

This 1 mile circular walk is suitable for wheeled users and includes visiting the Saxon church, remains of the Archbishops Palace, (including a talk from a local historian); the heritage orchard and water meadows, as well as the listed village pond. Option to see the Otford ‘Solar System’ at the end of the walk.

The gentle route explores the village, St. Bartholomews church and greenspaces on the outskirts, for about one mile, depending on the pace of the group, so allow a little extra time just in case we take a little longer.

The walk is led by a North Downs Way Ambassador and partner (who is a wheelchair user) with extensive experience of the North Downs Way and its history.

Please allow 90 minutes for walk & talk, followed by an optional lunch (not provided) at local café or inn afterwards

The distance is approximately one mile, circular, taken at a slow pace over easy terrain with regular stops to learn about the local history and enjoy the natural landscape.

Event Theme:

🏰 History Walk

🍃 Nature Walk

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⏰ What is the duration of this event? 1.5 hours (exluding optional lunch break at the end).

📏 What is the distance of the walk? 1 mile.

🔄 Is this a circular or linear walk? This is a circular walk.

🧭 Where is the meeting point? St. Bartholomews church car park, Otford, TN14 5PD #TBC What3words cubs.pushes.stocks Grid Ref – TQ 528591

👩🏿 Who can attend this walk? Is this walk open for all to attend? Is this walk for a particular community of people, if so, who? Are family and friends able to attend these walks?All are welcome. The route has been planned with wheeled users in mind along with their families and/or carers.

It is also suitable for participants with reduced mobility who feel they can manage one mile walk and standing time during talk welcome . Stroke survivors and others suffering from Aphasia and other communication difficulties.

👩‍🦽 Is this walk suitable for those using wheeled mobility aids? Or for those with buggies? Tes, most of the route is level, although the paths may be uneven where they are unsurfaced in places. Some areas have hard surface or tarmac.

👨‍🦯 Is this walk suitable for those with those with other physical, learning, or mental health needs? It is recommended for most users of suitable wheeled equipment, which can manage a range of surfaces, inclines, and level changes (assistance will be available if needed). Or buggies and rollators / walking aids suitable for outdoors.

🚸 What ages is this suitable for? all ages welcome but children/young people under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

🚂 Is this walk accessible via public transport? Yes

By Bus: Find the local bus route and which operator you need to use to plan your journey by visiting the Traveline website https://www.traveline.info/ or call Traveline 0871 200 22 33.

By Train: Southeastern & Thameslink services to Otford Station. There is step-free access to Platforms 1 & 2

For rail enquiries visit the National Rail website or For rail enquiries call 08457 48 49 50.

Otford Train Station is fully accessible, but it is important to check that all facilities are working at your departure station, and to book ahead for assistance in boarding the train - Passenger Assistance 08000223720 Select option 1.

Text 60083 (Weekdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Textphone/minicom 03456050600

Passenger Assistance website: https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/help-and-assistance/passenger-assistance-app/

🅿 Is there parking? Yes, there are two disabled parking spaces in village car park. The church car park is level and suitable for disabled vehicles

By Car: St. Bartholomew’s Church, The Green, Otford, Kent TN14 5PD What3words cubs.pushes.stocks Grid Ref – TQ 528591 The church car park may be found by accessing the driveway just to the right of the path leading up to the church from the village pond

🏞 What is the terrain like on this walk?This is a level walk, mainly on tarmac, with a short distance on a public footpath which is suitable for wheelchair users. There are dropped kerbs at road crossings. We avoid any routes with steps or steeper slopes.

🚽 Are there toilets nearby? Disabled toilet in the village car park and in the Church. The Bull Inn has one disabled toilet for customers..

Find the closest Changing Places Toilet in Sevenoaks (RADAR Key required) https://www.changing-places.org/find

🐕 Is this walk dog-friendly? Well behaved dogs on leads (no extending leads) are welcomed but only assistance dogs are allowed in the church..

☕ Is there somewhere to get refreshments? yes, there is an accessible outdoor area at a village café, and ramp access to The Bull bar and restaurant.

🪑 Is there seating options along the route? There are two benches along the route as well as seating in the church.

🙏 Is there an opportunity to break for prayer if needed? If participants wish to break for prayer, this can be arranged at the church.

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📷 Photos or videos are taken during the event for promotional and marketing purposes across the Kent Downs National Landscape, Aspiring Cross-Channel UNESCO Global Geopark and North Downs Way National Trail. Images will also be shared with Sustrans and Kent Community Rail Partnership. Please notify the walk leader of your preferences and complete the consent form here.

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This event is part of the North Downs Way National Trail and Kent Downs National Landscape’s Putting Down Routes Project.

The Putting Down Routes project seeks to encourage new audiences from under-represented communities to the North Downs Way National Trail, as well as upgrading and enhancing parts of the trail so they are more accessible to a wider range of people.

The project aims to position the North Downs Way National Trail as a safe, inclusive and accessible destination where all are welcome.

Putting Down Routes is a collaborative project between the Kent Downs National Landscape and the North Downs Way National Trail, working with partners Black Girls Hike and Wild With Wheels. Putting Downs Routes is funded through The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Defra’s Farming in Protected Landscapes.